Enzo Fernandez reacts to World Cup final red card with gesture to Argentina fans | OneFootball

A moment of madness from the World Cup semi-final hero ultimately proved costly for Argentina

Enzo Fernandez has apologised to the Argentina supporters after being sent-off in the World Cup final defeat to Spain.

The Chelsea midfielder, who played a key role in helping his nation reach a second successive World Cup final by equalising in the semi-final win over England, was given his marching orders in the last minute of normal time.

Already walking the disciplinary tightrope for showing dissent towards referee Slavko Vincic, Fernandez went steaming into a challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsi which left the official with no other option but to brandish a second yellow card.

The decision left Argentina, who were already being dominated by Spain, with a massive mountain to climb in extra-time.

Immediately realising his mistake, Fernandez raised his hands to the Argentina supporters asking for forgiveness as he made his way down the tunnel at the New York / New Jersey Stadium on Sunday night.

From semi-final hero to World Cup final villain: Enzo Fernandez

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On co-commentary for the BBC, former England captain Alan Shearer said: “How daft is that from Enzo Fernandez?

“He is on a yellow card for dissent, not the tackle, but for dissent. He knows that, because that didn’t happen long ago. For him to go into a challenge like that is crazy.

“He can protest as much as he wants.

“But it’s the right decision. He gave the referee only one choice, and that was to show another yellow there for the red.”

After surviving a scare in the first period of extra-time when Nico Williams had a goal disallowed, Argentina’s resistance was eventually broken when Ferran Torres thumped home in the 106th minute.